Self-righteousness is an attitude in which a person believes that their own beliefs and actions are the most correct or morally right. Someone who is self-righteous shows no mercy and tends to pass judgment upon others, believing they are morally right while everyone else is wrong or beneath them. It may show itself in your family life, or socially, politically, or religiously. Self-righteousness is often viewed as a harmful trait, but it can also come from a positive place of moral rectitude or support for something. However, it is judgmental and thus creates separation and divides, separating others from one.
Insights to Answer the Question of Self-Righteousness
Basically, self-righteousness is an excessive confidence in one’s own rightness in morally relevant matters. Self-righteous folks may not just believe they are right, but feel the need to impose their views on those who disagree with them — and anyone that thinks differently must obviously be wrong or lesser somehow. When a person is self-righteous, they fully believe their belief alone is correct, which leads to a lack of empathy or understanding for other points of view. This makes them appear arrogant or intolerant. Rather than debating and listening to different perspectives, they may be more concerned with proving themselves right to maintain the perceived moral high ground.
Self-righteousness stems from the need to be validated in one’s beliefs and self-worth. Seeing oneself as morally better than others can make a person feel powerful in an otherwise overwhelming world. This behavior is especially prevalent in situations where people feel threatened by conflicting opinions, lifestyles, or choices. In fact, self-righteousness may act as a defense mechanism, causing them to become hypercritical of others to defend their perspective.
Lashings of Self-Righteousness
Self-righteousness can range from overt displays of moral judgment to more subtle expressions of right and wrong developed through religious or political beliefs and displayed in everyday life. In moral contexts, a self-righteous person may see themselves as morally superior, while others are viewed as immoral or misguided. In religious contexts, this often manifests as the belief that one’s faith or practices are the only or best way, and others are wrong (or inferior).
Politically, self-righteousness often arises in discussions of justice, equity, or rights, where deep convictions can lead to intolerance of differing views. While many people feel passionately about these causes, self-righteousness turns that passion into an unwillingness to accept the legitimacy of other perspectives. This behavior can polarize political debates and hinder meaningful discourse.
In everyday life, self-righteousness can appear in more subtle forms. For example, someone might judge others for their dietary choices, parenting methods, or lifestyle decisions, believing their way is the only right way. This behavior creates unnecessary tension and division in relationships.
Self-Righteous Puffery and Its Role
Self-righteousness often resembles narcissism, as it isolates individuals from others. When interacting with someone who is self-righteous, people may feel judged, criticized, or demonized, which can damage relationships and hinder healthy communication. Additionally, self-righteous individuals often struggle with personal growth because their black-and-white thinking prevents them from learning from others’ experiences or admitting their own flaws.
On a larger social scale, self-righteousness divides society. Whether in religion, politics, or culture, refusing to engage with opposing viewpoints and dismissing them as inferior leads to polarization. This can stifle progress, as solving complex problems requires empathy, understanding, and compromise.
Conclusion
Self-righteousness, even when born from conviction, often leads to judgment and exclusion. The mindset of believing in one’s inherent righteousness can prevent the forming of relationships, whether in personal life or society as a whole. Overcoming self-righteousness requires humility, empathy, and a willingness to listen to others. Recognizing that no one has a monopoly on moral truth allows individuals to engage with others in more compassionate and productive ways.